Systems and methods for casino gaming haptics

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and products for self-contained casino gaming haptics are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system for casino gaming haptics includes a touch-sensitive input device configured to sense a contact from a user; an actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device; and a processor in communication with the touch-sensitive input device and the actuator, the processor configured to: generate a display signal configured to cause an image associated with a casino game to be displayed; receive an input signal from the touch-sensitive input device associated with the contact; determine an interaction between the contact and the image; and generate an actuator signal associated with the interaction, the actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to generate a haptic effect.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/855,009, filed Sep. 13, 2007, entitled “Systems and Methods forCasino Gaming Haptics,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,650, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/844,316 entitled“Casino Gaming Haptics,” filed Sep. 13, 2006, the entirety of both ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to haptic gaming devices. Thepresent invention more specifically relates to systems and methods forcasino gaming haptics.

BACKGROUND

Guests at a casino are typically able to play electronic casino games,such as video poker games. The electronic game presents a user with animage showing a poker hand, for example. The user is able to bet chips,select cards to discard, and to draw additional cards. The game thenawards credits to the user based on the strength of the user's hand.Other games of chance may be played on similar machines, such as othercard games, dice games, slot machines, roulette, or other virtual gamingimplements. For example, a video slot machine may allow a user to selecta number of rows to bet, a number of credits to wager, and pull avirtual lever to start the random selection of icons to be displayed inthree windows. When the wheels have come to a rest, the user may beawarded credits based upon the combination of icons presented in thewindows.

While conventional casino gaming machines may provide feedback to a userin the form of visual displays on a screen, or with sounds, conventionalcasino gaming machines do not provide haptic feedback to a user. Suchfeedback may provide a more immersive or enjoyable gaming experience,and may encourage the user to play a haptically-enabled game machineinstead of a conventional game machine.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods forcasino gaming haptics. For example, in one embodiment, a system forcasino gaming haptics comprises a touch-sensitive input deviceconfigured to sense a contact from a user; an actuator coupled to thetouch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured to output a hapticeffect to the touch-sensitive input device; and a processor incommunication with the touch-sensitive input device and the actuator,the processor configured to: generate a display signal configured tocause an image associated with a casino game to be displayed; receive aninput signal from the touch-sensitive input device associated with thecontact; determine an interaction between the contact and the image; andgenerate an actuator signal associated with the interaction, theactuator signal configured to cause the actuator to generate a hapticeffect. In another embodiment, a computer-readable media comprises codefor a carrying out such a method.

These illustrative embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define theinvention, but to provide examples to aid understanding thereof.Illustrative embodiments are discussed in the Detailed Description, andfurther description of the invention is provided there. Advantagesoffered by various embodiments of this invention may be furtherunderstood by examining this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention are better understood when the following Detailed Descriptionis read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for casino gaminghaptics according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simulated screenshot of images associated with a casino gameapplication executed by a system for casino gaming haptics according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system for casino gaminghaptics according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing casino gaminghaptics according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system for casino gaminghaptics according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing casino gaminghaptics according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a system 700 for self-contained casino-gaming hapticsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8-10 are simulated screenshots of images associated with a casinogaming application executed by a system for casino gaming hapticsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 11-14 show games according to various embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods forcasino gaming haptics. Methods, systems and products according to thepresent invention may be embodied in a number of ways.

Illustrative Casino Gaming Haptics

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for casino gaminghaptics according to one embodiment of the present invention. In theillustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a system 100 for casino gaminghaptics comprises a computer 101, a touch screen 102, and an actuator103 in communication with the computer 101 and the touch screen 102.Computer 101 also comprises a computer-readable medium, such as a memory111. Computer 101 comprises a processor 110 configured to load anapplication 120 from storage 112 into memory 111. In this illustrativeembodiment, application 120 is a casino gaming application configured toallow a user to play five-card draw poker.

FIG. 2 is a simulated screenshot of images associated with a casino gameapplication executed by a system for casino gaming haptics according toone embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2will be described in relation to the system shown in FIG. 1. The touchscreen 102 displays the five-card draw poker game 201 as shown in FIG.2. The game 201 shows the five cards 210 a-e dealt to the player, thecurrent bet 220, the number of chips 221 the player has, buttons 230,231 to allow the user to increase or decrease the wager, a button 232 toplace the maximum wager 222, and a button 233 to draw cards to replaceany the player wishes to discard. A user may select one or more cards210 a-e to keep or to discard, or interact with one or more of thebuttons 230-233 to play the game 201. For example, the player may chooseto discard the seven of hearts 210 a and nine of diamonds 210 c bytouching the cards on the touch screen 102. The user may then increasehis bet by pressing the “Increase Bet” button 230, and draw two newcards by pressing button 233.

In the embodiment shown, as the player interacts with the touch screen102, such as to select cards 230 a-e to discard, change the bet 230-232,or to choose to draw new cards 233, the system 100 provides hapticfeedback to the player. The actuator 103 is in communication with thetouch screen 102 and may be commanded by the computer 101 to outputhaptic effects to the touch screen 102. For example, when the playertouches a card 230 a to be discarded, the actuator 103 may generate ahaptic effect, such as a short duration high frequency vibration (whichmay be referred to as a “pop”), to indicate that the card 230 a has beenselected. Pops and other well-known haptic effects will not be describedin detail as they are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Theactuator 103 may also output haptic effects corresponding to otheractions, such as betting changes, or when the player chooses to drawcards.

Additionally, the system 100 may output haptic effects in response toevents that occur in the game. For example, the system may output ahaptic effect when new cards are dealt, or if the player has the winninghand.

This illustrative example is given to introduce the reader to thegeneral subject matter discussed herein. The invention is not limited tothis example. Further details regarding various embodiments of systemsand methods for casino gaming haptics are described below.

System for Casino Gaming Haptics

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system 300 for casino gaminghaptics according to one embodiment of the present invention. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, system 300 comprises a computer 310 or otherprocessor-based device, a touch-sensitive input device 320 incommunication with the computer 310 and an actuator 330, and a display340 in communication with the computer 310.

Computer 310 comprises a processor (not shown), memory 311, or othercomputer-readable medium, and is configured to load application 312 fromstorage, such as from a hard drive or other computer-readable medium,and execute application 312. Computer 310 is in communication with aninput device 320, an actuator 330, and a display 340, and is configuredto generate a display signal configured to cause an image associatedwith a casino game to be displayed, and to transmit the display signalto display device 340. The computer 310 is further configured to receivean input signal from the touch-sensitive input device 320, such as froma user making contact with the touch-sensitive input device, and todetermine an interaction between the contact and the image.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a casino game,such as can be seen in FIG. 2, may be displayed by display 340. A usermay touch a touch-sensitive input device, such as a touch screen 320, ata location to indicate that a card should be selected. The computer 310receives an input signal from the touch-screen 320. The input signalindicates that the user has touched the touch screen 320. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the input signal comprises acoordinate describing the location of the contact. The computer 310 thendetermines an interaction between the contact and the image. Forexample, in one embodiment of the present invention, the computer 310determines whether the location of the contact falls within theboundaries of an object displayed on the screen, such as a playing card.

Computer 310 is further configured to generate an actuator signalassociated with the interaction, the actuator signal configured to causethe actuator 330 to generate a haptic effect. For example, in oneembodiment of the present invention, a user may contact the touch screen320 at a location corresponding to a playing card. The computer 310determines there is an interaction between the contact and the image ofthe playing card. The computer 310 then generates a haptic effect, suchas a vibration, and encodes the haptic effect within an actuator signal.The computer 310 then transmits the actuator signal. For example, in oneembodiment of the present invention, the computer 310 transmits theactuator signal to the input device 320. In such an embodiment, theinput device 320 may then send a signal to the actuator 330 to generatethe haptic effect. In one embodiment of the present invention, thecomputer 310 transmits the actuator signal directly to the actuator 330.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, input device 320 comprises atouch-sensitive input device configured to sense a contact from a user.For example, in one embodiment, input device 320 comprises a touchscreen. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the touch screen comprisesthe display 340 and the touch-sensitive input device 320 which isoverlaid on the display 340. In other embodiments of the presentinvention, the touch-sensitive input device 320 may not be overlaid onthe display 340. In one embodiment of the present invention, inputdevice 320 comprises a non-touch-sensitive input device, such as akeyboard or keypad. Other embodiments of the present invention maycomprise other non-touch-sensitive input devices such as buttons, knobs,dials, switches, levers, trackballs, or other suitable manipulanda. Forexample, an embodiment of the present invention for playing a slotmachine may comprise a lever.

The actuator 330 shown in FIG. 3 is in communication with the inputdevice 320 and computer 310. In one embodiment, the actuator 330 may bein communication with a housing a device and may be configured to outputhaptic effects to the housing as well as the input device. Any suitableactuator may be used in embodiments of the present invention. Furtherembodiments of the present invention may comprise a plurality ofactuators. In various embodiments of the present invention, actuatorscan comprise either active or passive actuators.

Active actuators include, for example, linear current control motors,stepper motors, pneumatic/hydraulic active actuators, piezoelectricactuators, eccentric rotating masses, and other types of actuators thattransmit a force to move an object or to provide a vibrotactile effect.For example, active actuators can drive a rotational shaft about an axisin a rotary degree of freedom, or drive a linear shaft along a lineardegree of freedom. Active transducers of embodiments of the presentinvention may be bi-directional, meaning they can selectively transmitforce along either direction of a degree of freedom. For example, DCservo motors can receive force control signals to control the directionand torque (force output) that is produced on a shaft. The motors mayalso include one or more brakes which allow the rotation of the shaft tobe halted in a short span of time. Other types of active motors can alsobe used, such as a stepper motor controlled with pulse width modulationof an applied voltage, pneumatic/hydraulic actuators, a torquer (motorwith limited angular range), a voice coil actuator, or other activeactuators known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, or inaddition, other active actuators such as piezo-electric, shape memoryalloy, or electro-active polymers may be used as well.

Passive actuators can also be used for actuator 330. Magnetic particlebrakes, friction brakes, or pneumatic/hydraulic passive actuators can beused in addition to or instead of an active actuator to generate adamping resistance, a vibrotactile effect, or friction in a degree ofmotion.

In some embodiments of the present invention, an input device 320 mayintegrally incorporate an actuator within the input device 320. Such aninput device 320 may comprise one or more actuators configured to outputhaptic effects. Such input devices are referred to herein as“haptically-enabled.” In some embodiments of the present invention, aninput device 320 may not comprise an actuator. In such an embodiment,haptic effects maybe output to the input device 320 indirectly, such asby an actuator in communication with a housing of the input device.

Display 340 comprises a device capable of receiving a display signalfrom a computer or processor-based device and displaying an image to auser. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, display340 comprises a liquid-crystal display (LCD). In one embodiment of thepresent invention, display comprises 340 a cathode-ray tube (CRT)monitor or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. In someembodiments of the present invention, display 340 may comprise aplurality of displays. For example, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, a system for casino gaming haptics comprises a slot machine.In such an embodiment, display 340 may comprise three displays, whereeach display simulates one of the three wheels of a conventional slotmachine.

FIG. 4 shows a method 400 for providing casino gaming haptics accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. The description of themethod 400 will be made with reference to the system 300 shown in FIG.3.

In block 410, a system 300 displays an image associated with a casinogame. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, system300 displays an image associated with a casino game on display 340. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, a system for casino gaminghaptics transmits a signal to a remote device to cause the device todisplay an image associated with casino game. For example, a server maytransmit a signal to a remote computer to cause the remote computer todisplay an image associated with a casino game.

In block 420, a touch-sensitive input device 320 senses a contact withthe touch-sensitive input device 320, the contact associated with theimage or a portion of the image. For example, in one embodiment of thepresent invention, a user contacts a touchscreen at a locationassociated with a displayed playing card, and the touchscreen senses thecontact.

In block 430, a computer 310 receives an input signal from thetouch-sensitive input device 320, the input signal associated with thecontact. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, afterthe touch-sensitive input device 320 senses a location of a contact, thetouch-sensitive input device 320 transmits a signal to the computer 310,which receives the input signal from the touch-sensitive device 320, theinput signal associated with the contact.

In block 440, the system 300 determines an interaction between thecontact and the image. For example, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, the computer 310, compares the location of the contact withthe location of an image of the playing card displayed on the display340. If the location of the contact overlaps with the location of theimage, or contacts or is within a boundary of the image, the system 300determines that the contact interacted with the image. A user maycontact a location of an image in different ways. For example, in oneembodiment of the present invention, the system 300 may determine that auser has touched the image. In one embodiment of the present inventionthe system 300 may determine that the user has slid a finger across theimage, tapped the image, or has flipped the image over.

In block 450, the system 300 outputs a haptic effect based at least inpart on the interaction. For example, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, the computer 310 transmits an actuator signal to the actuator330, the actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output ahaptic effect. In another embodiment of the present invention, thecomputer 310 transmits an actuator signal to the input device 320. Theinput device 320 then causes the actuator to output a haptic effect.

Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a systemfor casino gaming haptics according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The networked system 500 comprises a plurality of clientsystems 510, a network 520, and at least one server 530. Client systemsare in communication with the network and server. In addition, clients510 may be in communication with each other.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, server 530 comprises a computer orother processor-based device. The server 530 further comprises acomputer-readable medium, such as a hard drive, on which is stored oneor more casino game applications. Server 530 is configured tocommunicate with one or more client systems 510 over network 520.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, client systems 510 each comprise asystem, such as system 300 shown in FIG. 3. However, in otherembodiments of the present invention, client systems 510 a-c maycomprise other computer systems. For example, in one embodiment of thepresent invention client system 510 a comprises a thin client device. Athin client device comprises an input device, such as a touchscreen, aprocessor, a network interface, and a computer-readable medium. Forexample, in one embodiment, thin client device may comprise an integralunit having a housing, a touchscreen, a processor, a computer-readablememory, and an interface for communication with the network 520. Theinput device is in communication with an actuator configured to outputhaptic effects to the input device. While a thin client device comprisesa computer-readable medium, it may or may not have a non-volatilecomputer-readable medium, such as a hard drive. Such a thin clientdevice may be configured to communicate with the server 530 to downloada casino gaming application stored on the server 530 into the thinclient's computer-readable medium, such as RAM. In addition, the thinclient device may be able to download haptic effect information. Forexample, the thin client may download an application to allow a user toplay craps. The thin client may also download haptic information thatincludes data for generating haptic effects, such as for shaking androlling dice.

Once the application and the haptic information have been downloaded,the thin client device may allow a user to play one or more hapticcasino games. Such an embodiment may allow a casino or otherestablishment to install a plurality of relatively inexpensive thinclient devices on its premises, and use a fewer number of servers 530,which are typically more expensive.

Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a network 520. Anysuitable network may be employed that will allow data transfer between aclient 510 and a server 530. Some embodiments of the present inventionmay allow two clients 510 to communicate, such as to play an interactivecasino game with users at other clients 510, like poker. A suitablenetwork may comprise any suitable communications link, including acircuit; Ethernet; a token ring network; a wireless communications linkincluding but not limited to 802.11 wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth; asystem bus; USB; or FireWire.

Referring now to FIG. 6, which shows a method 600 for casino gaminghaptics according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thedescription of the method 600 will be made with reference to the system500 shown in FIG. 5.

In block 610, a client 510 requests a casino game from a server 530. Forexample, in one embodiment of the present invention, a client 510 maycomprise a thin client. The client 510 may transmit a request over anetwork 520 to the server 530, where the request specifies a game a userhas selected to play. In another embodiment, the client 510 may transmita request over a network 520 to the server 530, where the request issent after the client 510 powers up, and specifies one or more games theclient 510 is authorized to play.

In response to the request sent in block 610, the server 530 determinesif the requested application or applications are available. The servermay also require authentication from the client device, such as anaccess code, a password, or other identification or authenticationdevice in order to prevent unauthorized access to the server or theapplications. If the requested applications are available, the server530 transmits the requested applications to the client 510.

In addition to transmitting a request for a casino game application, theclient 510 may transmit a request for haptic information. For example,in one embodiment of the present invention, the client 510 may requesthaptic information associated with the casino game application.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of clients 510may be in communication and allow multiple users to participate in thesame game, such as in a multiplayer poker game. In such an embodiment,server 502 may receive signals or messages from one or more clients 510,and may transmit signals or messages to one or more clients 510indicating actions of the plurality of users or one or more hapticeffects based on the actions of the plurality of users.

In block 620, the client 510 receives a casino game application from theserver 530. After the client 510 has received the casino gameapplication (or the “application”), the client 510 may execute theapplication. In one embodiment, the client 510 may receive a pluralityof casino game applications. In such an embodiment, the client 510 mayexecute one of the applications, or it may allow a user to select one ofthe applications to execute.

In block 630, the client 510 displays an image associated with thecasino game application. For example, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, a casino game application may comprise a poker game. In suchan embodiment, the casino game application may display a plurality ofimages, such as may be seen in FIG. 2.

In block 640, a touch-sensitive input device senses a contact client,the contact associated with the image. For example, in one embodiment ofthe present invention, a user contacts a touchscreen at a locationassociated with a displayed playing card, and the touchscreen senses thecontact.

In block 650, the client 510 receives an input signal from thetouch-sensitive input device, the input signal associated with thecontact. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, afterthe touch-sensitive input device senses a contact, the touch-sensitiveinput device transmits a signal to the client 510, which receives theinput signal from the touch-sensitive device, the input signalassociated with the contact.

In block 660, the client 510 determines an interaction between thecontact and the image. For example, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, the client 510, compares a location of the contact with thelocation of an image of a playing card displayed on the client'sdisplay. If the location of the contact falls within the boundary of theimage, the client determines that the contact interacted with the image.

In block 670, the client 510 outputs a haptic effect based at least inpast on the interaction. For example, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, the client 510 transmits an actuator signal to an actuator,the actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a hapticeffect. In one embodiment of the present invention, the client 510transmits an actuator signal to the touch-sensitive input device. Thetouch-sensitive input device then causes the actuator to output a hapticeffect. In another embodiment of the present invention, the client 510may transmit the actuator signal directly to an actuator.

FIG. 7 shows a system 700 for self-contained casino-gaming hapticsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. The system 700comprises a self-contained casino gaming system. The system comprises ahousing 710 and a touch screen 720. The system 700 also comprises aprocessor (not shown, an actuator (not shown) in communication with thetouch screen, and a memory (not shown). The system 700 is configured toexecute an application which comprises a casino game, such as, withoutlimitation, poker. The processor generates a display signal associatedwith the casino game and transmits it to the touch screen 720. The touchscreen 720 displays the game to the user, and accepts inputs from theuser via user contact with the touch screen 720. The touch screen 720transmits an input signal to the processor, which determines aninteraction between the contact and an image displayed on the touchscreen 720. The processor generates and transmits an actuator signalassociated with the interaction. The actuator receives the actuatorsignal and outputs a haptic effect to the touch screen.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 7, embodiments of the present inventioncan be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computerhardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. In oneembodiment, a computer may comprise a processor or processors. Theprocessor comprises a computer-readable medium, such as a random accessmemory (RAM) coupled to the processor. The processor executescomputer-executable program instructions stored in memory, such asexecuting one or more computer programs for editing an image. Suchprocessors may comprise a microprocessor, a digital signal processor(DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), and state machines. Such processorsmay further comprise programmable electronic devices such as PLCs,programmable interrupt controllers (PICs), programmable logic devices(PLDs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), electronicallyprogrammable read-only memories (EPROMs or EEPROMs), or other similardevices.

Such processors may comprise, or may be in communication with, media,for example computer-readable media, that may store instructions that,when executed by the processor, can cause the processor to perform thesteps described herein as carried out, or assisted, by a processor.Embodiments of computer-readable media may comprise, but are not limitedto, an electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmissiondevice capable of providing a processor, such as the processor in a webserver, with computer-readable instructions. Other examples of mediacomprise, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, magnetic disk,memory chip, ROM, RAM, ASIC, configured processor, all optical media,all magnetic tape or other magnetic media, or any other medium fromwhich a computer processor can read. Also, various other devices mayinclude, such as a router, private or public network, or othertransmission device. The processor, and the processing, described may bein one or more structures, and may be dispersed through one or morestructures. The processor may comprise code for carrying out one or moreof the methods (or parts of methods) described herein.

Games and Haptic Effects

Systems for casino gaming haptics according to embodiments of thepresent invention may be configured to provide one or more games for auser to play. For example, systems for casino gaming haptics may beconfigured to provide card games, dice games, roulette, checkers,Othello™-type games, picture match games, word games, trivia games, orother games conventionally available in casino gaming machines, orsimilar machines that may be commonly found in bars or otherestablishments.

A system for casino gaming haptics according to one embodiment of thepresent invention may be configured to provide haptic effects for eventsor options that may occur within a game. For example, in a system forcasino gaming haptics according to one embodiment of the presentinvention that provides a roulette game, the system may be capable ofgenerating haptic effects associated with events or actions that mayoccur in a conventional roulette game or electronic roulette game, suchas spinning the roulette wheel, a roulette ball moving or bouncingwithin the roulette wheel, betting chips, pressing interface buttons, ormoving chips across a felt surface. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, a casino gaming system may be configured to provide hapticeffects for other games, such as placing bets on a virtual craps table,arranging cards on a Pai-Gow poker game, game selection for multi-gamedevices, selecting position and color for checkers and Othello™-typecasino games, or choosing objects in bonus games, or playing other typesof casino games, such as baccarat, craps, war, keno, blackjack, orslots.

Additionally, a system for casino gaming haptics according to thepresent invention may be capable of generating haptic effects associatedwith actions and events common to a plurality of games. For example, inone embodiment of the present invention, a system for casino gaminghaptics may be capable of generating haptic effects corresponding topressing a button, winning a game, losing a game, receiving chips,beginning a game, quitting a game, or other events common to two or moregames.

Embodiments of the present invention provide haptic effects for actionsa user may take during a game. For example, embodiments of the inventionmay allow a user to roll dice, deal or move playing cards, spin aroulette wheel, play a slot machine, or otherwise interact with objectsassociated with casino games. Such haptic effects may be employed toprovide a more realistic experience for the user.

Haptic Effects Associated with Virtual Cards

Many casino games involve playing cards, including poker and blackjack.Card games may include actions such as dealing one or more cards to eachplayer, selecting one or more cards within the player's hand, anddiscarding cards. Various haptic effects may be employed to providefeedback to a player interacting with a playing card. For example, inone embodiment of the present invention, if a player touches a touchscreen and drags his finger towards a card, the system may generate ashort, low magnitude, high frequency haptic effect when the user'sfinger passes over the edge of a playing card. The system may also playa continuous low magnitude, high frequency haptic effect as long as theplayer's finger is located over the playing card.

In addition to touching a card, a user may slide a playing card, such asto re-arrange the cards in the user's hand, or to discard the card.While the user is sliding the card, the system may provide a highermagnitude vibration to the user, to indicate that the card is beingmoved. Once the card has reached a potential destination, which may bedenoted by an outline on the screen, the system may generate a highmagnitude, high frequency effect to indicate to the user that the cardmay be released.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a user may touchthe nine of diamonds 210 c, and feel a light pop (e.g. a low magnitude,high frequency, short duration effect) to indicate that the card hasbeen contacted. The user may then drag the card 210 c to the edge of thescreen 201 to discard the card. While the user is dragging the card, thesystem 100 may output a low magnitude, low frequency vibration toprovide the tactile sensation of a card sliding across a felt surface.When the card reaches the edge of the screen, the system 100 maygenerate a strong pop (e.g. a high magnitude, high frequency, shortduration) effect to indicate the card has been discarded. The user maythen drag another card to be discarded, or select the draw cards button233 to receive a card to replace the discarded card 210 c.

Shaking Virtual Dice

FIG. 8 shows a simulated screenshot of images associated with a casinogaming application executed by a system for casino gaming hapticsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 8, a casino gaming system may be configured to allow theuser to play a game that includes rolling one or more dice 810. Forexample, a craps game may display a pair of dice 810 on a display. Theuser can select the dice 810 by touching the touch screen and holdinghis finger against the touchscreen over the dice. The user may thenshake the dice 810 by moving the finger back and forth while maintainingcontact with the touchscreen. A computer executing the gamingapplication receives an input signal from the touchscreen indicatingthat the user's contact with the screen is changing. The computerdetermines that the user is shaking the dice, and generates an actuatorsignal associated with the user's action.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, a user rollsa pair of dice by touching an image of the dice 810 with a finger,dragging 820 across the screen, and lifting from the touch screen 800.The system may output a steadily increasing low frequency vibrationwhile the use drags the dice 810 across the touch screen 800, and a popwhen the system detects the force of contact with the touch screen 800is below a threshold, which may indicate that the user is removing thefinger from the touch screen 800. In a further embodiment, the touchscreen 800 may display the dice 810 on the screen within a box or otherbounded region. The user may move the dice within the box to “shake”them, and drag them out of the box to roll them. The system may output avibration while the user is shaking the dice 810, and a differentvibration when rolling the dice 810.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for casino gaminghaptics may generate haptic effects to be output during the shakingaction. For example, a short duration high-magnitude haptic effect maybe played each time there is a direction change of the finger. Thesensation produced may be similar to the feel of real dice being shakenin a closed hand or in a cup. In addition, a continuous vibration may beplayed while the user is shaking the dice to simulate the dice rattlingwhile being shaken. Further, the magnitude and/or the vibration mayincrease or decrease based at least in part on the speed at which theuser shakes the dice. Such a sensation may provide a tactile indicationthat the user is interacting with the dice. When the user is ready to“throw” the dice, the user may release the dice by lifting his from thetouch screen, or the user may move the dice out of a graphical regiondisplayed on the screen. In another embodiment, the user may throw thedice by moving the dice out of a bounded area on the screen. The systemmay generate a different haptic effect for this throwing motion. Forexample, the system may generate a pop as the user throws the dice toprovide a tactile response to the user. As the dice tumble to a stop,the system may output haptic effects to simulate the dice bouncing on asurface, such as a high magnitude, high frequency haptic effect for eachbounce.

Virtual Roulette

FIG. 9 shows a simulated screenshot of images associated with a casinogaming application executed by a system for casino gaming hapticsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 9, a casino gaming system may be configured to allow theuser to play roulette. To play such a game, a user may spin the roulettewheel 930, which may require the user to touch a finger on the touchscreen 900 and drag 920 across the screen. The gaming system may providea low-magnitude vibration when the user touches the screen, and increasethe vibration as the roulette wheel 930 increases in speed. Finally, theuser may perceive a pop or jolt, which may signify that the rouletteball has been released in to the wheel. Further, if the user maintainscontact with the screen, the system may output additional pops each timethe roulette ball bounces before settling on a number. Additionaleffects may be played as well.

For example, the user may allocate virtual casino chips 910 to thebetting area for the roulette game. In such an embodiment, a user maymake a betting selection by selecting a bet within the betting area 931.The user may then be provided with a slider 911 to select the number ofchips to bet. As the user slides a finger along the slider, the user mayfeel a low magnitude, low frequency pulse for every 10 chips to be bet,for example. Other haptic effects may be incorporated into such a game,such as pressing an on-screen rocker switch may start an increasing ordecreasing vibration corresponding to speed, magnitude, or some otherparameter of the roulette wheel. Throwing an onscreen switch to activatethe roulette ball may supply a pop feeling.

Playing a Virtual Slot Machine

FIG. 10 shows a simulated screenshot of images associated with a casinogaming application executed by a system for casino gaming hapticsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 10, a casino gaming system is configured to allow the userto play a virtual slot machine. The user may be able to select a numberof credits to wager, by pressing a button. The gaming system may providehaptic effects as the user presses the buttons. For example, the gamingsystem may generate a pop when the user presses a button to providefeedback that the button was pressed. The user may then be able to pulla virtual lever 1020 to begin the spinning of the virtual slot wheels1030 a-e. The gaming system may generate a low magnitude vibration whenthe lever 1020 has only been displaced a short distance, with the effectstrengthening as the lever 1020 is displaced further. For example, inone embodiment of the present invention, the vibration may changefrequency and/or vibration based on the displacement of the lever. Whenthe user slides his finger off of the lever 1020 to activate the virtualslot wheels 1030 a-e, a pop may be played to indicate the lever 1020 hasbeen released. Additionally, a vibration may be output while the virtualslot wheels 1030 a-e are spinning, with a high magnitude, high frequencyeffect being output when a virtual wheel 1030 a-e comes to rest and anicon is displayed. A further haptic effect or haptic effects may beoutput when if the user wins credits based on the combination of iconspresented by the virtual wheels 1030.

Trivia and Brain-Teaser Games

FIG. 11 shows a game according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a user is presented witha trivia question and four potential answers to the trivia question. Toplay the game, a user may bet one or more chips prior to seeing a triviaquestion, and win chips by correctly answering the question. In such anembodiment, a user may receive haptic feedback in response to answeringa question. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, asystem for casino gaming haptics may output a high-magnitude,low-magnitude effect to indicate a wrong answer. In one embodiment, asystem for casino gaming haptics may output a high-magnitude, highfrequency effect to indicate a correct answer.

FIG. 12 shows a game according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, a user is presented withtwo nearly-identical images. In one embodiment of the present invention,the user attempts to locate the differences between the two imageswithin a period of time. The user may bet chips according to the numberof differences the user believes he can find between the two pictures,or the amount of time it will take to find the differences. The user maythen touch a touch screen to indicate where a believed difference islocated. In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for casinogaming haptics may output a pop effect to indicate that the user hascorrectly identified a difference between the two images. In oneembodiment of the present invention, a system for casino gaming hapticsmay output two pops to indicate a wrong selection.

FIG. 13 shows a game according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a user is presented witha matrix of letters, and a list of words that can be found within thematrix. A user may drag a finger along a series of contiguous letters toidentify words within the matrix. A system for casino gaming hapticsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention may output hapticeffects as the user identifies a word within the matrix. For example, inone embodiment of the present invention, a system may output a lowmagnitude pop for each letter the user drags a finger across. When theuser has correctly identified a word, the system may output a differenteffect, such as a high-magnitude, low-frequency effect. If the user doesnot correctly identify a word, the system may output a different effect,such as a high-magnitude, high-frequency effect.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a game may require that auser find one or more invisible objects hidden on the screen. In such anembodiment, a user may contact a touch screen and drag a finger tolocate the object. When the user has contacted the object, the systemmay output a haptic effect to indicate that the user has found theobject. Further, the system may output different effects for differenthidden objects. For example, a user may attempt to find a hidden staramong several hidden objects. The system may output a different hapticeffect when the user has contacted the star than for other hiddenobjects.

FIG. 14 shows a game according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a user is presented witha game card that includes a plurality of scratch-off areas displayed ona touch screen. A user may rub their finger on the touch screen on anarea corresponding to a scratch-off area to expose an image. While auser is rubbing their finger to scratch off an area, the system mayoutput a vibration to indicate that the user is scratching an area. Thesystem may then output a pop to indicate that the are has beensubstantially completely uncovered.

General

Embodiments of the present invention may provide a more enjoyable casinogaming experience. Certain embodiments of the present invention may, forexample, provide enhanced game-play enjoyment through tactile feedback.By providing haptic effects, it may be possible to provide an experiencein which the user feels as though he is touching a gaming implement,such as a playing card, rather than an input device, such as a touchscreen. Haptic effects may allow a user to move a finger across a touchscreen and feel a playing card shown on the screen, or feel the rattleof dice being shaken. Such tactile sensations may provide a richer, moreimmersive experience for a player of an electronic casino game.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has beenpresented only for the purpose of illustration and description and isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseforms disclosed. Numerous modifications and adaptations thereof will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a touch-sensitiveinput device configured to sense a contact from a user; an actuatorcoupled to the touch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured tooutput a haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device; and aprocessor in communication with the touch-sensitive input device and theactuator, the processor configured to: generate a display signalconfigured to cause an image associated with a casino game to bedisplayed; receive an input signal from the touch-sensitive input deviceassociated with the contact; determine an interaction between thecontact and the image; and generate an actuator signal associated withthe interaction, the actuator signal configured to cause the actuator togenerate a haptic effect, wherein the haptic effect is associated withone of shaking virtual dice, moving a virtual playing card, pulling alever on a virtual slot machine, or spinning a virtual roulette wheel.2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display configured toreceive the display signal and display the image associated with thecasino game.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive inputdevice comprises a touch screen.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein thecasino game comprises one of blackjack, poker, solitaire, roulette,craps, or a slot machine.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the hapticeffect is associated with one of betting chips, winning chips, or losingchips.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is incommunication with a remote device.
 7. The system of claim 6, whereinthe processor is further configured to receive the casino game from theremote device.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the processor isfurther configured to transmit information to the remote device.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the information comprises informationassociated with an action or a state of the casino game.
 10. The systemof claim 1, wherein the actuator is also in communication with ahousing.
 11. A system comprising: a touch-sensitive input deviceconfigured to sense a contact from a user; an actuator coupled to thetouch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured to output a hapticeffect to the touch-sensitive input device; and a processor incommunication with the touch-sensitive input device and the actuator,the processor configured to: generate a display signal configured tocause an image associated with a casino game to be displayed; receive aninput signal from the touch-sensitive input device associated with thecontact; determine an interaction between the contact and the image; andgenerate an actuator signal associated with the interaction, theactuator signal configured to cause the actuator to generate a hapticeffect, wherein the haptic effect is associated with one of correctlyanswering a trivia question, correctly identifying a difference betweentwo similar images, or finding a word in a word search.
 12. A methodcomprising: displaying an image associated with a casino game; sensing acontact with a touch-sensitive input device, the contact associated withthe image; receiving an input signal from the touch-sensitive inputdevice, the input signal associated with the contact; determining aninteraction between the contact and the image, and outputting a hapticeffect to the touch-sensitive input device based at least in part on theinteraction, wherein the haptic effect is associated with one of shakingvirtual dice, moving a virtual playing card, pulling a lever on avirtual slot machine, or spinning a virtual roulette wheel.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the haptic effect is associated withchanging a bet amount.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the hapticeffect is associated with winning a game.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein the haptic effect is associated with losing a game.
 16. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the casino game comprises a card game. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein the haptic effect is associated withdragging a card.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the haptic effectis associated with discarding a card.
 19. The method of claim 12,wherein the casino game comprises craps.
 20. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium comprising program code for causing a processorto execute a method comprising: displaying an image associated with acasino game; sensing a contact with a touch-sensitive input device, thecontact associated with the image; receiving an input signal from thetouch-sensitive input device, the input signal associated with thecontact; determining an interaction between the contact and the image,and outputting a haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device basedat least in part on the interaction, wherein the haptic effect isassociated with one of shaking virtual dice, moving a virtual playingcard, pulling a lever on a virtual slot machine, or spinning a virtualroulette wheel.
 21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim20, wherein the haptic effect is associated with changing a bet amount.22. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein thehaptic effect is associated with winning a game.
 23. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein the haptic effect isassociated with losing a game.
 24. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 20, wherein the casino game comprises a card game. 25.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein thehaptic effect is associated with dragging a card.
 26. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the haptic effect isassociated with discarding a card.
 27. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 20, wherein the casino game comprisescraps.
 28. A method comprising: displaying an image associated with acasino game; sensing a contact with a touch-sensitive input device, thecontact associated with the image; receiving an input signal from thetouch-sensitive input device, the input signal associated with thecontact; determining an interaction between the contact and the image,and outputting a haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device basedat least in part on the interaction, wherein the haptic effect isassociated with one of correctly answering a trivia question, correctlyidentifying a difference between two similar images, or finding a wordin a word search.
 29. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumcomprising program code for causing a processor to execute a methodcomprising: displaying an image associated with a casino game; sensing acontact with a touch-sensitive input device, the contact associated withthe image; receiving an input signal from the touch-sensitive inputdevice, the input signal associated with the contact; determining aninteraction between the contact and the image, and outputting a hapticeffect to the touch-sensitive input device based at least in part on theinteraction, wherein the haptic effect is associated with one ofcorrectly answering a trivia question, correctly identifying adifference between two similar images, or finding a word in a wordsearch.